Cebu Technological University–Argao Campus marked its 81st Founding Anniversary with the launch of three research-based books by the Biodiversity, Environment, and Natural Resources Research Center (BENRC) on February 18 at the BENRC Grounds in Lamacan, Argao.
With the theme “Read, Taste, Experience: An Exclusive Book Launch & Innovative Culinary Showcase,” the event unveiled three research-based titles: KULO: Food Innovations, Spiders of Cebu: An Introductory Guide, and Underutilized Indigenous Food Plants in Cebu.
Dr. Pet Roey L. Pascual, Vice President for Research and Development, joined the ceremony, along with campus directors and representatives from CTU’s South Cell campuses, including Barili, Moalboal, and Dumanjug.
In his message, Dr. Pascual encouraged other campuses to be inspired by BENRC’s work, especially in creating Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) materials as research outputs. He also noted that the published books were not made overnight but had gone through years in the making.
Dr. Rosalyn P. Alburo, the Section Head of BENRC’s Food Laboratory and Environmental Studies and co-author of the books, affirmed the VPRD’s statement regarding the process of gathering data for the book contents.
She later revealed that the books will not only be used for extension purposes but will also be distributed to all CTU satellite and extension campuses, specifically to be made available in their libraries. Likewise, they will be used for instructional purposes as well.
Apart from the book launching, the Center also conducted a food exhibit featuring its food innovations utilizing breadfruit, followed by a skills demonstration on food production and basic orchid micropropagation, as well as the fundamentals of orchid care and maintenance, led by Technical Expert Marcelina Ricaborda and Center Director Hemres M. Alburo, respectively./Melvin T. Benemerito
